Desert Sink Scrub

Background

Description and distribution  This community is similar to Desert Saltbush Scrub, but plants are often more widely spaced and most species are succulent chenopods. Atriplex is a minor component. Allenrolfea occidentalis and Suaeda torreyana are characteristic of this lower-elevation, wet, and high salinity habitat. It is found on poorly drained soils with high alkalinity and/or salt content. It is found in the vicinity of the Salton Sea, partially on Torres Martinez Reservation land and partially on private land, and in the Dos Palmas/Salt Creek area east of the sea. Of the 9,740 acres in the Plan area, 29% currently occurs on public land or private conservation land. Associated covered species. The species associated with this community is the flat-tailed horned lizard in the Dos Palmas/Salt Creek area. This community may be used during migration by riparian birds.